Kingdoms of the Second Age

Caldaria

Description

Capitol of the Caldian Territories, and the city from which King Etran rules, Caldaria is heavily fortified. Surrounded by hills and small mountains on all sides, there are very few safe paths into and out of the city, all of which are heavily patrolled and guarded.

The city is ruled (in name) by the King, who controls the city guard, the armies of the realm, and is backed by the noble families. He is advised by the Council of Guilds and the Nine Fathers. In truth, the Crown is bankrupt and heavily indebted to the Guilds, and the Holy Church holds far more sway over the common people of the realm than any are comfortable with.

Population: 49,365

Establishments

The King’s Palace
Where the royal family lives, and King Etran holds court.

The Temple of the Nine
Elaborate church and house of worship to all nine gods of The Pantheon.

The Seven Guildhouses
Spread around the city, the Guildhouses house the city’s various guild’s leaders.

The Docks
Though Caldaria is only connected via rivers, tradeships frequently travel in and out of the port. The district around the docks is the poorest in the city as well, overrun by various criminal gangs and destitute vagabonds.

The Pig in Tights
A clean but affordable inn. Always bustling with activity. Owned and run by Edmond Palmer. Home of the famous Palmer’s Endless Stew, which has been kept simmering for over 30 years. The exact make-up of the stew varies from season to season, and a heaping bowlful is 3 silver. Also on the menu are roast fowl (6 sp), grouse with gooseberry jam (4 sp), and broiled mackerel (3 sp). A hot bath is 2 silver and room service for any meal is an extra silver piece. Ale is 1 silver per mug.

Other Inns and Taverns
The Broken Sword, The Illuminated Virgin Alehouse, The Magus’ Talisman, The Cup and Sword, The Devil and Wizard, The Good Butcher’s Tavern, The Giant’s Flagon, The Priestess and Duke, The Dying Dragon Alehouse, The Drunken Soldier.

The Royal Dungeons
Prisoners to the Crown are held here, along with various thugs and miscreants.

The Factions of the City of Calderia

His Royal Highness, King Etran IV

The Golden Shield
Elite warriors chosen from the King’s foot and mounted divisions. Twelve in number, six men from each division. They answer directly to the King himself.

The Royal Spellguard
Eight mages, one specialist from each school, chosen from the ranks of the Order of Martial Wizardry. They are unmatched in skill, and answer only to the King.

General Darden and The King’s Armies

Foot Divisions
Roughly 3,000 men in number total, roughly 400 stationed in or around the city.

Mounted Divisions
Roughly 500 horse in number, with roughly 100 stationed in or around the city.

Siege Engines
15 Ballista, 12 Trebuchet, 16 Catapult, 5 Siege Towers, 18 Wheeled Rams, with men appropriate for their operation. Sappers, tunnelers and the like are a part of this division of the King’s armies.

The Order of Martial Wizardry
Powerful mages who serve in the King’s army, roughly 200 in number. Though there tend to be more evokers than any other specialization, all are represented. Diviners, though rarer than most other schools, are usually found in positions of leadership.

The Nobles Families
These families own nearby land and swear fealty to the King.

The King’s Justice

The City Guard
Roughly 800 men who police the city.

Royal Dungeons
Though mostly filled with minor criminals, thugs, and brigands, there are a few nicer cells for enemies of the Crown.

The Black Hoods
The King’s executioners.

The Holy Church of Calderia

High Father Iric
High Priest and Holy Adviser to the King.

The Nine Fathers
One High Priest representing each major deity of The Pantheon comprise this organization.

The Council of Guilds

The Banker’s Guild
Chaired by Lord Andrew Harte
The bankers and coinlenders of the land. Though the mint is officially owned by the King, it is operated and managed by the Banker’s Guild.

The Craftsman’s Guild
Chaired by Lord Artur Forde
Representing all of the boyers, fletchers, boatcrafters, wagonmakers, coopers, tanners, and assorted craftsmen of the realm.

The Laborer’s Guild
Chaired by Lord Thomas Drayton
Engineers and architects, this guild also manages construction of war machines for the Crown. Their primary work is in the construction of boats both for the crown and the Merchant’s guild.

The Merchant’s Guild
Chaired by Lord Branston Balhol
Responsible for trade and relations with all foreign entities, as well as managing the trade routes within the kingdom, both on land and by river. Also representative of the inns and brothels of the realm.

The Provisioner’s Guild
Chaired by Lord George Bailey
Responsible for managing the city’s larders, as well as representing the butchers, bakers and farmers of and around the city. They handle the brewing and distribution of all beer in the city, as well as the preparation of wines and other spirits.